Rain forces Keeneland to cancel final 4 races of opening-day card

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Keeneland canceled the final four races of its opening-day card including the $100,000 Grade 3 Transylvania feature after more than 5 inches of rain fell in the area overnight and Friday morning.

Two turf races were moved to the main track because of the downpours, including the Transylvania, but it ended up being rescheduled for April 15 after strong storms were forecast for the area. The track will reopen nominations for that race.

Keeneland President Bill Thomason said in a release that safety for patrons, jockeys and horses was the track’s main priority.

Racing will resume Saturday with an 11-race card highlighted by the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass. The 15-day spring meet runs through April 24.